The Velgam Vehera is an ancient Buddhist temple found in the Eastern reaches of Sri Lanka, in the village of Kanniya to be exact. The location is also important to the island’s Tamil population who refer to the temple as Natanar Kovil. All evidence points to the fact that the temple was an important religious site for both Buddhists and Tamils for many centuries. Owing in part to this fact, the temple was considered to be an archaeological protected site by the Sri Lankan Archaeological Department. The site has since become a must-visit for travellers touring through the Trincomalee region.
The temple’s origins can be traced back to over 2000 years! It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, somewhere around 307 and 267 BC. The temple is believed to have received several renovations works by other prominent Sri Lankan kings like Agkbo II, Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I. The temple was frequented by religious pilgrims during the height of the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa Kingdoms. Once these great kingdoms fell, however, the temple itself was abandoned and fell into ruin.
In the year 993, the Cholas of India invaded Sri Lanka. During this conquest, the invaders laid waste to a number of religious landmarks and shrines. Fortunately, the Velgam Vehera was not discovered by the Cholas and was therefore spared any significant damage. The Cholas did eventually discover the temple but instead of destroying it they renovated it once more. They renamed the temple to “Rajarajaperumpalli” after their king, Rajarama I. Proof of the renovations and donations the Cholas made to the temple can be found in Tamil rock inscriptions found on-site.
It was in the early 20th century – 1929 to be exact – that the ruins of the Velgam Vihara were rediscovered by the Sri Lankan Archaeological Department. Since then, it has once again become an important site for religious pilgrims and locals.
